If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to exposure to hazardous substances, we are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the justice you deserve. Any employer has a lawful obligation to make sure an employee is protected from hazardous substances whilst in the working environment; if they fail in that obligation, you are entitled to financial compensation.
Chemical injuries can be severe, debilitating conditions can occur due to constant exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals over time. If you have been a victim of any form of chemical accident at work, you may be eligible for receiving compensation for your injuries. Chemical injuries can occur when individuals are exposed to harmful substances in the workplace, through consumer products, or in the environment.
Chemical injuries can manifest in various ways, affecting different parts of the body and leading to a range of health issues such as:
The injuries can be anything from chemical burns to multi-organ abnormalities including the nervous, immune, respiratory or reproductive system, and affect the liver if exposed to certain chemicals. Certain materials can be known to have mutagenic/ carcinogenic effects leading to a range of serious conditions such as cancer or infertility.
Chemical injuries can occur in various settings, and our firm is equipped to handle cases arising from:
The effects of chemical poisoning will vary depending on the substance and the type of exposure.
The types of substance that can cause a minor chemical burn or something more serious include acid, alkaline and caustic chemicals. Here are some of the chemical compounds that can be harmful, and examples of where you might find them:
Ammonia. Mostly used in fertiliser production, where it's capable of causing severe burns. Also found in cleaners and detergents, often in a diluted form. Concentrated ammonia products includes some industrial cleaners.
Sulphuric acid. Cleaning fluids, car battery fluid and water treatment products. Also used in fertiliser manufacturing processes.
Hydrofluoric acid. Cleaning products, herbicides, pesticides, refrigerants and rust removers.
Hydrochloric acid. Cleaners, dye manufacturing, metal refining, pharmaceuticals and water treatment.
Phosphoric acid. Common in detergents, disinfectants and rustproofing products, and used in the sugar and textile industries.
Sodium hydroxide. A corrosive product widely used in manufacturing processes and to make common products such as drain cleaners and oven cleaners.
A minor chemical burn can be caused by exposure to products that we wouldn't normally think of as chemicals. Examples include cleaners, paint, adhesives, fillers, beauty treatment products.
It can unfortunately be easy to cause splashes when opening containers, pouring liquid and working with chemicals. We naturally look carefully at what we are doing, which can mean our eyes are at risk of being splashed. The result can be pain, blurred vision and even partial or complete loss of sight.
Swallowing chemicals is another potential risk. This can cause internal injuries with serious or potentially fatal consequences. Symptoms in addition to pain can include difficulty breathing, and even a seizure or heart attack in the most severe cases.
Chemical poisoning doesn't just apply to swallowing a chemical. It's a broad term that can also include claiming for the effects of vapours, dust and fumes from hazardous substances, including gases. Claiming chemical poisoning compensation can also potentially include exposure to asbestos.
Chemical injuries can have severe and long-lasting effects on physical health, often resulting in financial outgoings, lost wages, and emotional distress.
A chemical burn or other injury can be extremely painful, as we know from helping people who have experienced one. It can sometimes have life-changing consequences such as disability or disfigurement. And even if your chemical injury isn't that serious, it could stop you from enjoying your normal everyday life.
Making a claim for chemical injury compensation, or an inhalation or chemical poisoning claim, is a way to make things right. Compensation for what happened could cover the costs of your injury. This might include any time off work. It can also help cover other costs that your injury may have caused you, including prescriptions and other treatment.
If you or a loved one has suffered from chemical injury don't hesitate to contact us. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Let us help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you
Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the legal representation you need during this challenging time.
Our solicitors understand the complex and long-lasting challenges posed by chemical injuries.
If you or a loved one has experienced an accident, reach out to Speir Buchan today. We are here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also an understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Together, we will work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
